Dissertation
Biochar and hyperspectral imaging in rhizome crops
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00079
Abstract
One of the greatest challenges in agriculture is to reconcile increasing demand for food while developing improved management practices in response to our changing climate. Last century’s advancements in synthetic fertilisers have allowed yield increases by supplying high levels of water-soluble soil nutrients that are immediately plant available. However, long term use and overapplication of synthetic fertilisers have resulted in negative environmental outcomes including soil degradation and nutrient leaching to water sources. Excessive nutrient inputs and lack of real-time information about plant available nutrients are two major barriers towards sustainable food production. Therefore, alternative methods are being sought to manage nutrient cycling in food production systems. Two potential technologies that can assist in increasing production are biochar and hyperspectral imaging.
Biochar is a carbon rich material made by thermally treating organic material in a process called pyrolysis. Biochar can be applied to soils and is known to affect soil properties and plant growth. Rapid advancements in digital technologies since 2000 are now being developed for use in food production systems. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) collects spectral and spatial data and can detect spectral signatures of chemical compounds in soils and plants. New technologies that can detect nutrients and minimise nutrient losses during delivery to plants will help to maintain yields and improve sustainability. The general aims of my research were to: (1) investigate how co-applied biochar and biochar-based fertilisers affect soil and plant nutrient cycling and plant growth in rhizome crops (Part A), and (2) explore the potential for hyperspectral imaging to detect nutrients and compounds in soils and plants (Part B).
Details
- Title
- Biochar and hyperspectral imaging in rhizome crops
- Authors
- Michael Farrar
- Contributors
- Catherine Yule (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00079
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99557908802621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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